At rock bottom after a week on Sertraline

Posted , 3 users are following.

After a week on only 25 mg sertraline I'm suffering from just about every side effect in the book, depression, anxiety, lack of appetite, no motivation, fatigue. Dr says I should try to stick it as things should improve. I was due to increase dosage to 50 mg after a fortnight but he says to delay that for another week.

I see some people don't improve until at least three weeks in, how on earth do I keep going until then?

I only started them prior to CGT starting in a few weeks but now I wish I hadn't despite being pretty rough before.

Can anyone else relate to this?

0 likes, 5 replies

5 Replies

  • Posted

    Hi Greta

    I can only advise that you try and stick to it. The first few weeks are truly horrible and you do feel like you are going mad - plus all the physical problems. But you should start to feel better after 4 weeks and by 6 to 8 you will be a new you hopefully.  My doctor told me a lot of people give up in the first couple of weeks, but if you can keep going you will feel better eventually. I am in week 5 now and I am finally able to get out of bed in the morning and stay focussed most of the day, if anything I have more energy now than I did before sertraline. People are noticing the difference in me as I am returning to the old self that has not been around for over 2 years.  If you really can't cope with the side effects ask your doctor for something that will help you get through them such as anti nausea tables. I hope you feel better soon. 

    • Posted

      Hi Caraviva

      Thanks for that, it does seem sticking to it does seem worth it in the end. It's just that even four weeks seems for ever right now. I thought I was made of tougher stuff but I think that was in another life!

      Nice to know you're coming out the other side, hope I'll be able to say the same.

      Greta.

  • Posted

    Try to stay on 25 for a bit. When I increased to 50 the side effects doubled, had to go back down after 22 days on fifty
    • Posted

      That's interesting, I did wonder if things get lot worse on an increased dose. I'll bear it in mind when the time comes.

  • Posted

    I can relate. On my 4th day and struggling. Literally been in bed most of today after two days not sleeping. My anxiety is definitely a lot worse now however my mind is quieter. It's a bit strange. Due back in work tomorrow but I genuinely can't see how I will get through a 10 hour shift like this.

    Might have to ask to get signed off again, but I really need the pay rolleyes. This sucks.

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